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Spied :- New Suzuki GS150R

by Paul Joseph July 1, 2011 Featured

Suzuki Motor Corporation’s two wheeler arm is present in India for the last five long years. But still  company is  struggling to make a convincing product launch in our market. Things may change very soon, their  150cc segment offering  GS150R is bound to get a facelift in our market. The new avatar of Suzuki GS150R is caught in India and may get a launch date by end of  2011. New Suzuki GS150R was caught undisguised, only badges are tapped to protect the identity. There is no mechanical changes except a new silencer and new graphic scheme. Suzuki will add white paint shade in GS150R’s new variant. Company may continue using the 150cc engine and 6 speed gear box combination. Other features like rear disc brake and tubeless tires may  become part of final offering. Will the new GS150R can make an impact in this highly competitive segment..? Stay tuned to Wheelosphere for more updates on  new Suzuki GS150R launch. Stay subscribed Subscribe to Wheelosphere In A Reader Subscribe to Wheelosphere by Email Source:- Facebook Related posts: Spied:- Maruti Suzuki Alto With K-Series Motor We know that Maruti is putting all effort to take… Suzuki test fires Slingshot!! Suzuki Motorcycle India today launched a new 125cc bike called,… Spied:- 2011 Suzuki SX4 sedan in China Suzuki SX4 sedan Chinese edition is about to get a… Spied :- New Maruti Suzuki Swift in India New Maruti Suzuki Swift finally made it’s  maiden appearance in… Suzuki Kizashi spied again, to be launched on 2nd February, 2011! Kizashi’s launch is nearing. Kizashi was to be launched on…

Tagged as: china, india, maruti, permanent-link, reader, suzuki-kizashi, wheelosphere

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Spied – Tata Safari Merlin near Pune [video]

by Paul Joseph June 29, 2011 Featured

Remember the proposed Tata Safari Merlin? Apparently, it’s still making an effort to reach showrooms, as spy shots of the macho SUV, making its own roads have been sent by our reader Suraj Vibhute. Suraj spotted the Merlin near Nigdi, Pune draped in camouflage. The camou doesn’t obscure the silhouette of the new Safari that stays true to the original. Tata is deciding if the Merlin has to replace the existing car or sit above it . Sources tell Indian Autos Blog unplanned sets of revisions delayed the Merlin’s introduction. Believe it or not, at the moment it looks like we won’t see it till the Auto Expo next year . We can confirm that the Merlin will use a part of the Aria’s platform and a completely new skin. Tata Motors put this new Safari through a re-skinning operation early in its development and the front-end is redesigned with new grill and headlamps. The last time the Safari received goodies was during the BS4 reconfiguration where chrome coatings were applied on some body parts. From these photos, it looks like the Merlin will not only sport Safari-referencing body structure, but design elements from the Aria are likely to feature. Tata Safari Merlin Video Under the hood the Safari will benefit from the Aria’s drivetrain program which resulted in a quieter, softer and smoother powertrain. The 2.2-liter DICOR will carry on propelling the beast with the help of a modified 5-speed gear box. The steering and suspension systems have been revised to suit city stop-go city traffic, we hear. Will the Merlin pull any rabbits out of the hat?

Tagged as: auto, indian, reader, safari, tata, video

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GM scraps Nano rival plans

by Paul Joseph June 25, 2011 Featured

It looks like GM India is not optimistic about  prospects of another small car below Spark. The all new small car which was expected to sit below Spark will not become a reality. “We did have a plan (to launch a smaller car than the Spark), but no longer now. We have shelved the plans to get into that segment,”  said Karl Slym, president and managing director, GM India. “There is no decision now to go below the segment where the Spark is present and all future models in our portfolio in India will be positioned above this car.” he further added. GM India with their Chinese partner SAIC was planning to develop an all new small car . This new small car was intended to compete with Maruti Suzuki Alto  and Tata Nano. We think GM India’s plan to scrap a Nano rival is a wise decision. Tata Nano’s sales performance is not consistent for the last few months. The reasons could be many, starting from fire incidents to lack of finance. Making a cost effective car while commodity prices are soaring is daunting task for any manufacturer. GM’s entry level product Spark sale maintains it’s momentum in our market. So its natural for GM to scrap their small  car dream for good future of the company. Stay subscribed Subscribe to Wheelosphere In A Reader Subscribe to Wheelosphere by Email Related posts: Tata Nano Launch On March-3 Tata Nano, the ‘BIG’ car from Tata motors may face… Suzuki wont build Nano rival Suzuki, which currently holds more than 50% of market share… Tata Nano To Get A Chinese Rival Tata Nano, the cheapest car in the world is about… Tata unveils plans to revive Nano sales, will they work..? Tata Nano once again  headlines due to it’s pathetic sales… Tata Motors launches express loans to rescue Nano sales.. Tata Motors is putting their best effort to rescue Nano….

Tagged as: chinese, india, maruti-suzuki, news, plans, reader, spark, wheelosphere

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Close range shots of Hyundai HA appear on web

by Paul Joseph June 15, 2011 Featured

Hyundai HA, the sub – Santro small car is inching towards it’s launch scheduled for Q3 of 2011. We have been closely tracking the story in the past. In our previous stories, the new small car from Hyundai was appeared with heavy camouflages on to protect it’s styling aspects. In the latest images shot from Korea as well, Hyundai HA is heavily camouflaged but  clearly shows front grille design. If Hyundai retains this styling, Hyundai HA could be a head turner in sub-compact segment. The front grille design looks similar to Hyundai i40 sedan’s grille. The tail lamp design has some close relation to it’s big brother new generation Hyundai i10. In addition to this, Hyundai may bring Fluidic Sculpture styling language in HA as well. Hyundai is expected to plant a 800cc gasoline engine in HA initially. And later we may see a 1.0ltr and 1.2ltr engine powered Hyundai HA. Hyundai India is developing HA in their R&D center located in Hyderabad. The all new small car HA is expected to fight Tata Nano in our market. Tata Motors launched Nano with great expectations. Unfortunately Nano failed to meet expectations of the company and auto enthusiasts. So it should be worth watching that, how Hyundai Motors  is going to price HA in our market. Will Hyundai HA succeed in our sub compact market where our home grown Tata Nano failed? Stay subscribed Subscribe to Wheelosphere In A Reader Subscribe to Wheelosphere by Email Source:- NA Related posts: 2011 Hyundai Elantra Close Range Spy Shots Hyundai Elantra makeover is obvious, last week we managed to… Tata ousts Hyundai to become India’s 2nd largest car maker Tata Motors has knocked Hyundai off to become India’s second… Caught Naked:- 2011 Hyundai Verna/Accent Hatchback   Hyundai’s  fluidic sculpture themed 2011 Verna hatchback finally caught… Spied :- Hyundai HA in India Hyundai Motor India had disclosed their plans to bring a… After brochure, real images of Tata Indica eV2 appear on web Tata Indica e V2 brochure was appeared on internet previously….

Tagged as: market, plans, reader, spy images

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Honda slashes ‘City’ prices up to Rs 66,000

by Paul Joseph June 14, 2011 Featured

Honda Siel Cars India finally responded to growing competition by announcing price cut for their best seller City. The entry level variant of  Honda City is now cheaper by  Rs. 66,000 so the  price of Honda City now starts at Rs 7.49 lakh. “In anticipation of bigger volumes resulting in economies of scale from the second half of current year, we have achieved considerable cost reduction and are happy to pass on the benefit to the customers with immediate effect,” said Jnaneswar Sen, HSCI Senior Vice President (Sales and Marketing). “This price revision is in line with Honda’s global vision of creating products that maximise the joy of customers, with speed, affordability and low CO2,” he further added. The variant wise price (ex showroom New Delhi)  has been given below. Honda says various cost saving measures took by  company’s supply chain  team  lead to this price cut, mainly due to localizations of various components. No doubt Honda City has an edge over it’s competition in terms of styling and road presence. So we think Honda’s price cut move will make City an attractive buy. But  absence of a diesel motor will still remain as a question. Will this move from Honda will open a price war in this segment..? Stay tuned to Wheelosphere for learning more on this topic. Stay subscribed Subscribe to Wheelosphere In A Reader Subscribe to Wheelosphere by Email Related posts: Honda Siel Launches Upgraded New City Honda New City is pride of owner.Take every nook and… Honda City : 0-50,000 in 12 months! Which is the best sedan in India? Well, the chances… Mahindra slashes Logan’s price by up to Rs 80,000 Mahindra and Mahindra, who have bought over Renault’s stake in… Honda launches City Exclusive in India at Rs 9.53 lakhs Honda Car India has launched a luxurious version of the… Competition forces Honda to announce City Diesel, launch scheduled for H2-2013 Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), the Indian arm of  Honda…

Tagged as: honda-city, india, indian, marketing, permanent-link, photo, reader, wheelosphere

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Spied Again:- Toyota Innova Facelift

by Paul Joseph June 13, 2011 Featured

Our readers might be remembering our earlier post on upcoming Toyota Innova facelift. Once again the facelifted Innova was caught by our friends at Ghiboo.com . Like we said earlier the changes are appears to be very minimal except an all new front grille plus bumper combo. The Innova facelift may debut during Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS) scheduled to begin next month. Toyota Motor Corporation is expected to increment the price of new Innova in Indonesia. Toyota Kirloskar may launch the upgraded version in India too. TKML may display this variant during upcoming 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo. Toyota Innova’s current variant consistently scores 3500+ units sales for the last few months. So naturally launch of facelifted Innova may not be in priority list for  TKML. In IIMS Toyota may preview the upgraded  Fortuner also. Stay subscribed to get  more updates. Subscribe to Wheelosphere In A Reader Subscribe to Wheelosphere by Email Via :- IAB Related posts: Toyota Refreshes Innova The launch of Mahindra Xylo awakened Toyota,that is what our… Toyota launches BS-4 Innova; Upgrades Fortuner’s brakes Toyota has upgraded its best seller Innova to Bharat Stage-4… Toyota Innovates A Special Edition Innova!! Toyota Innova celebrates fifth anniversary of it’s Indian arrival. Toyota… Spied :- New Toyota Innova from Indonesia Toyota’s MPV warrior Innova is getting a  facelift in Indonesia…. Spy shots of Toyota Fortuner Facelift (including rear) Toyota Fortuner, the hot selling SUV is bound to get…

Tagged as: friends, india, indonesia, innova, permanent-link, price, reader, spy images, toyota-innova

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Suzuki R3 MPV makes its maiden appearance in India

by Paul Joseph June 3, 2011 Featured

Suzuki R3 MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) has been stayed away from media for a long time. We did not cover much about this all new MPV from India’s largest car maker Maruti after it’s concept model’s debut in 2010 New Delhi Auto Expo. But the long wait comes to an end, here comes Maruti Suzuki’s yet to be named R3’s maiden spy shots posted by a Team-BHP forum member. Though much details are not known, the new MPV is believed to be built on  Maruti Suzuki Ritz with an extended wheel base. The R3 which was photographed features three row seats configuration and  will accommodate 6-7 seven persons. Maruti may launch R3 with  both petrol and diesel engine options. R3 MPV ZDI variant appears in the photograph could be the top end model. On a closer examination of the model, one can easily conclude that R3 could be a premium people mover. The production version of Maruti Suzuki R3 will have  rear wiper, audio controls on steering, ABS, premium upholstery and captain seat in the middle row. Maruti may launch R3 MPV diesel variant  with 1.3 ltr DDiS motor. The new MPV is expected to hit our market by end of  this year, probably during next edition of New Delhi Auto Expo. With the launch of  R3 Maruti Suzuki wants to grab market share of Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo in our people mover segment. On paper Maruti Suzuki R3 has many advantages over it’s competition, the fuel efficient diesel motors from Fiat will definitely make it is a wise choice for those who want to keep the running cost under check. Presence  of sales and service network in almost all nook and corners of our  will further improve R3’s chance further. But we have a small doubt, will a 1.3ltr DDiS engine be capable to propel an MPV packed with 6-7 persons..? Will Suzuki  surprise us with a 1.6ltr DDiS engine..? We will be tracking this story very closely so stay subscribed to get more updates. Subscribe to Wheelosphere In A Reader Subscribe to Wheelosphere by Email Related posts: Maruti Suzuki Ritz Finally Breaks The Shell Maruti Suzuki Ritz was the most discussed Maruti car since… Maruti Displays R3 MPV Concept Maruti Suzuki as promised  displayed their indigenously developed all new… GM Wuling India Bound MPV Spied During Testing It has been almost an year since we reported about… Suzuki Kizashi makes Indian appearance India’s automotive king Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch… Spied:- Maruti Suzuki SX4 diesel Maruti SX4 Diesel is waiting for it’s official unveiling in…

Tagged as: india, maruti-suzuki, mpv, people, reader, suzuki, suzuki-kizashi

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Spied:- Skoda Rapid Sedan in India

by Paul Joseph May 28, 2011 Featured

Rapid , the upcoming  C-segment offering from Skoda Auto caught on  Indian roads. Overdrive managed to film the heavily camouflaged Rapid sedan on the outskirts of Pune, Maharashtra. As the test mule is heavily camouflaged it does not reveal much information about the styling and other details. But the mule  gives some clear insights about overall design of the car. The internal project code of Skoda Rapid is VW SK251. Skoda Rapid’s design will be more inclined to it’s hatchback sibling  Fabia. Rapid sedan will not  be based on Skoda’s latest styling concept Vision D. On a closer look, one can easily find out Rapid’s relation to VW Vento. Especially design of out side rear view mirrors and side panels design are similar to VW Vento. Rapid and Fabia may spot same front grille  and head lamp design. VW – Skoda will position Rapid just below Vento to avoid siblings rivalry. Naturally Skoda Rapid may not bring many gadgets that we see in Vento. Skoda Rapid price may from Rs. 6.5 lakh onwards. Under the bonnet hood, Skoda Rapid will have a 1.6ltr diesel and petrol engine that currently powering up VW Vento. But the engine may undergo re-mapping exercise to optimize the power and torque characteristics. Skoda may preview Rapid sedan in upcoming New Delhi Auto Expo 2012. VW Vento managed to snatch the C-Segment leader crown from Honda City within few months of it’s launch. Thanks to VW’s product planning team for bringing a decent diesel sedan with sensible price tag. Now Skoda Rapid with it’s no frill approach may target the entry level sedan segment where Maruti SX4 is ruling now. Sometimes Skoda may price Rapid aggressively so that it even emerge as a threat for other entry level sedans like Mahindra Verito, Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Tata Manza. The wait is not too long, just another six months. Stay with us more updates. Subscribe to Wheelosphere In A Reader Subscribe to Wheelosphere by Email Related posts: Skoda Is Planning An Entry Level Sedan Skoda Auto is planning an entry level sedan for European… Skoda Fabia sedan rendered; Is this the next-gen Octavia? The VW Vento was based on the Polo platform and… Skoda Fabia sedan – The Felicia rendered Sedans formed by sticking an additional compartment to a hatchback… Skoda’s new model plans unveiled; Four new cars by 2012 Skoda is getting ready to attack the Indian market as… Spied:- Skoda Felicia sedan Skoda Felicia, the low cost sedan finally photographed in Sweden….

Tagged as: indian, permanent-link, reader, skoda, skoda-fabia, spy images

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Jaguar-Land Rover opens shop in India.

by Paul Joseph May 28, 2011 Featured

Jaguar – Land Rover is strengthening it’s relationship with  India. Yesterday Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) inaugurated their manufacturing plant in India, at  Tata Motors campus. JLR will initially assemble Freelander 2 SUV in this plant from Completely Knock Down (CKD) kits brought from their Halewood manufacturing plant in Liverpool, UK. “This is a very significant step for our growth strategy in the Indian market. The opening of this unit clearly demonstrates our cooperation that exists between Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover, which will continue growing, “said Carl-Peter Forster. “Jaguar Land Rover is delighted to have officially opened our first assembly facility in India. We are excited about the prospect of assembling cars in Pune for the Indian market where we have achieved significant growth since we opened our first showroom in 2009. It is a great time to be expanding our operation in India due to the increasing demand for luxury products and the strength of the Indian economy,” Said Dr Ralf Speth. The new plant operations will be supervised by  JLR’s UK plant staff to ensure the top notch quality of the product. The decision to assemble Freelander 2 will give cost benefits to the company. The good news is, JLR will be passing the cost benefits to it’s end customers, thus both variants (the TD4 SE Automatic and the SD4 HSE Automatic) of Freelander 2 will get cheaper by approximately Rs. 5.0 lakhs. As we reported earlier JLR may select more localized components in future products. Company’s Indian portfolio includes Jaguar XJ, XF,and XK, the Land Rover Freelander 2, Discovery 4, Range Rover Sport. Armed with local assembling benefits JLR Freelander 2 is now more competitive in luxury SUV segment in which BMW X3 , Volvo XC90, Mitsubishi Montero and Audi Q5 operates. Company Press Release. 27TH May 2011: Jaguar Land Rover today officially opens its first assembly plant in India. The facility at Pune in the Maharashtra region of India, will assemble Land Rover Freelander 2 vehicles supplied in Complete Knock Down (CKD) form from Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood manufacturing plant in Liverpool, UK. The inauguration ceremony was led by Carl-Peter Forster, Chief Executive Officer and MD of Tata Motors and Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover. Mr. Carl-Peter Forster, said: “Today marks a significant step in our growth strategy for the Indian market. The opening of this plant demonstrates close co-operation between the parent company TATA Motors and Jaguar Land Rover and we are keen to develop this further”. Dr Ralf Speth, said: “Jaguar Land Rover is delighted to have officially opened our first assembly facility in India. We are excited about the prospect of assembling cars in Pune for the Indian market where we have achieved significant growth since we opened our first showroom in 2009. It is a great time to be expanding our operation in India due to the increasing demand for luxury products and the strength of the Indian economy.” The facility in Pune will be subject to Jaguar Land Rover’s mainstream launch quality processes and will be overseen by experienced manufacturing and quality managers who have moved to India from the UK. The award winning Freelander 2 is available in India in two variants, the TD4 SE Automatic and the SD4 HSE Automatic. The prices start at Rupees 33.89 Lacs (ex-showroom price in Mumbai, pre-octroi). Jaguar and Land Rover’s acclaimed vehicles are well known around the world. Jaguar has become one of the world’s leading producers of beautiful fast cars. Land Rover produces the world’s most versatile all-terrain vehicles, combining refined luxury with a true breadth of capability. The exciting new range of premium luxury vehicles available for the Indian market includes the Jaguar XJ, XF,and XK, the Land Rover Freelander 2, Discovery 4, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover. Stay subscribed Subscribe to Wheelosphere In A Reader Subscribe to Wheelosphere by Email

Tagged as: india, jaguar, permanent-link, reader, rover, world

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Hyundai to assemble Santa Fe in India

by Paul Joseph May 26, 2011 Featured

Hyundai is really moving ahead aggressively in India with new launches, new variants and new strategies. Hyundai successfully cleared its first batch of Santa Fe ordered as CBU from South Korea . Hyundai had to stop the bookings of Santa Fe due to demand higher than its supply. Hyundai had mentioned during the launch of Santa Fe that when the time would come that it has received appropriate volume of demand, it will surely look upon assembling the SUV in India. According to a report in The Business Line, Hyundai Motor, the second largest domestic carmaker, may soon start assembly of the Santa Fe sports utility vehicle (SUV) in India. It will start taking fresh bookings for the second batch of Santa Fe from June 2011. According to the reports Hyundai is currently undergoing Homologation duties at ARAI, Pune. The company looks upon assembling the SUV as Completely Knocked Down Kits(CKDs). A few body shells are undergoing structural tests at the facility. Such testing is generally carried on for a few months before the assembling starts. Hyundai is looking upon ordering a batch of 600-800 units of the SUV as CKD from the company’s facility in South Korea. Currently the SUV bears a massive 60% import duties, which brings up the price tag to 21-23lacs. By assembling as CKD the import duties could downfall straight to 10% which would help it price competitively in range on 17-20lacs and give a tough competition to Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour . Hyundai targets at selling 1400 units of Santa Fe within a year. Looking at past performance, we know it a quiet easy target for Korean auto major. Stay subscribed Subscribe to Wheelosphere In A Reader Subscribe to Wheelosphere by Email Related posts: Hyundai Santa Fe Indian Entry In This Year Carazoo reports Hyundai Santa Fe’s Indian entry will happen in… Hyundai Santa Fe 2010 In Pipeline Hyundai Santa Fe,the much acclaimed cross over from Korean auto… Hyundai Launches Refreshed Santa Fe In Detroit Auto Show 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe launched at Detroit Auto Show. The… Hyundai confirms Santa Fe launch in 2010; Will be imported as CBU Hyundai Motor India Ltd confirmed that they would bring their… Official – Hyundai Santa Fe on sale in India by October; Sonata YF by end 2010 It was a long time coming – Hyundai Motor India…

Tagged as: hyundai-motor, indian, permanent-link, reader, time

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